Is it just me, or have you noticed that ‘patience’ is always seen in a negative light.  

It’s always spoken about like it’s something you give to other people.
A gift for your partner, your kids, your ageing parents, your boss.

But rarely do we talk about the kind of patience that’s actually life-changing…
The patience you give to yourself. And trust me as time goes on, it becomes an absolute superpower.

Your hormones are remixing themselves

If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause, you already know the truth.
Your body has decided to shake things up.

Hot flashes at breakfast.

Emotions doing choreography you didn’t agree to.
Sleep? She’s on sabbatical.

Patience becomes the grounding force you never knew you needed.
Not the “just deal with it” kind…
But the “I’m giving myself grace while my body writes a new chapter” kind.
That’s powerful.

Life is busier… but in a more complicated way

Many of us are balancing everything.
Grown children who need you less… but also somehow need you more.
Elderly parents. Grandchildren.
A career that’s either blossoming or begging you to switch lanes.
And let’s not even start on the housework.

This is where patience steps in like the calm friend we all need.
She whispers, “You’re doing your best. Breathe.”
And honestly sometimes that’s all you need.

Reinvention takes patience too

Something beautiful happens when you’re maturing.
You start thinking about who you are now, not who you were.
Maybe you’re dating again.
Maybe you’re finally writing that book.
Maybe you’re letting go of everybody else’s expectations and choosing yourself, boldly.

Reinvention isn’t rushed. It unfolds. And patience lets you enjoy the unfolding.

You’ve earned the right to slow down

We especially have been told for generations to be strong. To keep going.
To hold everyone together. But there’s an Afro-Caribbean saying I just love:
“Hurry, hurry put man in trouble.” So slow down, sis.  Rushing is a luxury we can no longer afford.  Patience gives you self-respect.

Patience is proven to lower stress and is good for your health and glow; strengthen sisterhood and community as you judge less and love more generously; but more importantly, it helps you to choose peace, selectively and intentionally. 

So go gently with yourself. Breathe. Take your time. Its liberating in every way, and don’t you deserve it!

Caroline’s daughter, Diahanne. x